About the MEP Library Lovers Group

The MEP Library Lovers Group brings together Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from across the EU and from both sides of the political spectrum who are passionate about libraries.

Every day, in countless communities across the European Union, over 100 million people visit over 65,000 public libraries every year, not to mention the thousands of academic and national libraries. In addition to a vast array of books, computers and other resources, library users benefit from the expert teaching and guidance of librarians to help expand their minds and open new worlds.

The MEP library lovers “ambassadors” that are part of this group believe that:

Libraries support literacy and lifelong learning
Many children and adults learn to read at their school and public libraries via story times, research projects, summer reading, tutoring and other opportunities. Others come to the library to learn the technology and information skills that help them answer their questions, discover new interests, and share their ideas with others.

Libraries build communities
Libraries bring people together, both in person and online, to have conversation and to learn from and help each other. Libraries provide support for the elderly, immigrants and others with special needs.

Libraries are the great equaliser
Libraries serve people of every age, education level, income level, ethnicity and physical ability. For many people, libraries provide resources that they could not otherwise afford – resources they need to live and, learn work and participate in civic life.

Libraries protect our right to know
Our right to read, seek information, and speak freely must not be taken for granted. Libraries and librarians actively defend this most basic freedom.

Libraries promote authors and reading for pleasure.
Libraries are often the first place where young and old develop a passion for reading. Europe’s libraries promote and defend a vibrant reading culture.